Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to test home networks

ABSTRACT

Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to test home networks are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes instructing, from a test controller, a test server to become communicatively coupled to a residential gateway of a home network. The test server is separate from the residential gateway. The test controller is separate from the residential gateway. The test controller instructs the test server to perform a first test of the home network. A second test of a femtocell is performed with a cellular transceiver of the test controller. The second test is different from the first test. The femtocell is communicatively coupled to the residential gateway. The femtocell is separate from the residential gateway. A first result of the first test and a second result of the second test are presented via a display of the test controller.

RELATED APPLICATION

This patent arises from a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/959,813, which was filed on Dec. 3, 2010. U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/959,813 is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to home networks and, moreparticularly, to methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to testhome networks.

BACKGROUND

Emerging home networks include multiple communication technologiesinteracting to provide services such as Internet protocol television(IPTV), voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), wireless local area network(WLAN) connectivity and/or home phoneline networking alliance (HPNA)connectivity. In a home network, a residential gateway communicativelycouples devices of the home network (e.g., computers, set-top boxes,etc.) to an external network via a twisted-pair copper cable, a coaxialcable, and/or a satellite link.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an example home network test systemimplemented in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B illustrate an example manner of implementing theexample home network test server of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example manner of implementing the example homenetwork test controller of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5-7 are flowcharts representing example processes that may beperformed by a user to operate the example home network test system ofFIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, and 4.

FIGS. 8-15 are flowcharts representing example processes that may beembodied as machine-accessible instructions and executed by, forexample, one or more processors to implement the example home networktest servers of FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, and 3.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart representing an example process that may beembodied as machine-accessible instructions and executed by, forexample, one or more processors to implement the example home networktest controller of FIGS. 1 and 4.

FIGS. 17-26 illustrate example user interfaces that may be presented bythe example home network test controller of FIGS. 1 and 4 to enable auser to operate the example home network test system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to test homenetworks are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving acommand from a wirelessly coupled test controller, communicativecoupling a communication module to a home network in response to thecommand, performing a test of the home network via the communicationmodule, and returning a result of the test to the test controller via awireless signal.

A disclosed example home network test server includes a wirelesscommunication interface, a second communication interface, and acommunication module. The wireless communication interface to receive acommand from a test controller via a first wireless signal. The secondcommunication interface to establish a communicative coupling of thehome network test server to a home network in response to the command.The communication module to perform a test of the home network. A resultof the test is provided to the test controller by sending a secondwireless signal via the wireless communication interface.

Another disclosed example method includes presenting a graphical userinterface to enable a user to select a test for a home network, sendinga command to a home network test server via a first wireless signal inresponse to the selection of the test, receiving a result of the testfrom the home network test server via a second wireless signal, andpresenting the result in the graphical user interface.

A disclosed example home network test controller includes a displaydevice to present a graphical user interface to enable a user to selecta test for a home network, and a wireless interface to send a command toa home network test server in response to the selection of the test andreceive a result of the test from the home network test server. Theresult is presented in the graphical user interface.

A disclosed example apparatus to test a home network comprising aresidential gateway includes a test controller and a test server. Thetest controller includes a display device and a wireless interface. Thedisplay device to present a graphical user interface to enable a user toselect a test for the home network. The wireless interface tocommunicatively couple the test controller to the test server, send acommand to the test server in response to the selection of the test, andreceive a result of the test from the home network test server, theresult being presented in the graphical user interface. The test serverincludes a second wireless communication interface, a secondcommunication interface and a communication module. The second wirelesscommunication interface to receive the command from the test controller.The second communication interface to establish a communicative couplingof the test server to the home network in response to the command. Thecommunication module to perform the test. A result of the test isprovided to the test controller via the second wireless communicationinterface.

Yet another disclosed example method includes communicatively coupling ahome network test server to a home network, communicatively coupling ahome network test controller to the home network test server via awireless connection, and initiating a test of the home network by thehome network test server via the home network test controller.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example home network test system 100 including ahome network 105. The example home network 105 of FIG. 1 includes anytype of residential gateway (RG) 110, and any number and/or type(s) ofcomputers (one of which is designated at reference numeral 115) and/orset-top boxes (STBs) (three of which are designated at referencenumerals 120-122). The example computer(s) 115 of FIG. 1 may becommunicatively coupled to the example residential gateway 110 via anytype of communication medium or communication technology including, butnot limited to, a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wired Ethernetcable, an Ethernet over coaxial cable transceiver, an Ethernet overpowerline transceiver and/or an Ethernet over twisted-pair copper wiretransceiver. Example Ethernet over coaxial cable and Ethernet overtwisted-pair copper wire transceivers are implemented in accordance withany past, present and/or future Home Phoneline Network Alliance (HPNA)standard, recommendation and/or specification, and/or any InternationalTelecommunications Union—Telecommunications (ITU-T) G.995xrecommendation.

While in the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the example STBs 120-122 arecommunicatively coupled to the example RG 110 using Ethernet overcoaxial cable transceivers, the STBs 120-122 may be communicativelycoupled to the RG 110 using any additional and/or alternativecommunication technology(-ies) described above in connection with theexample computer 115.

The example RG 110 of FIG. 1 communicatively couples devices of the homenetwork 105 (e.g., the computer 115 and the STBs 120-122) to an externalnetwork such as the Internet via a twisted-pair copper cable, a coaxialcable and/or a satellite link 125.

To increase and/or expand cellular phone coverage, the example homenetwork 105 includes a femtocell 130. The example femtocell 130 is acellular base station designed for use at a customer premises such as ahome or small business. The example femtocell 130 connects to a cellularservice provider's network (not shown) via the RG 110 and the cable orlink 125.

While the example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to testhome networks disclosed herein are described with reference to theexample home network 105, the examples disclosed herein may be usedand/or readily adapted to test any number and/or type(s) of additionalor alternative home networks. For example, one or more of the elementsand/or devices illustrated in FIG. 1 may be combined, divided,re-arranged, omitted, eliminated and/or implemented in any other way.Further, other example home networks may include one or more elementsand/or devices in addition to, or instead of, those illustrated in FIG.1, and/or may include more than one of any or all of the illustratedelements and devices. For example, the home network 105 may includeand/or implement fewer or more STBs 120-122, fewer or more computers 115and/or not include the femtocell 120. Further still, other home networksmay implement other communication technologies and/or network topologiesin addition to, or instead of, those illustrated in FIG. 1 and/ordescribed above.

Given the complexity of emerging home networks and/or the variety ofhome network topologies, technicians increasingly need to utilizemultiple test sets to install and/or troubleshoot a home network such asthe example home network 105. For example, a technician may need totest, debug and/or troubleshoot issues relating Internet protocoltelevision (IPTV), voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), WLAN and/or HPNAtechnologies during a single service call. In some examples, existingmethods of diagnosing and/or troubleshooting problems cannot beperformed without multiple technicians and/or test sets. The complexityof home networks and the equipment necessary to test them can negativelyimpact service provider revenue, technician dispatch efficiency and/orcustomer satisfaction.

To test the home network 105, the example home network test system 100of FIG. 1 includes a home network test server 150. The example homenetwork test server 150 of FIG. 1 is a small portable test device that atechnician may use to test one or more functions and/or operations ofthe example home network 105. The example home network test server 150can be configured and/or communicatively coupled to different locationsof the home network 105 (e.g., as wired endpoint, a wireless endpoint,etc.). For example, the home network test server 150 may be:

(A) communicatively coupled to a Ethernet over coaxial cable jack 155 toallow the home network test server 150 to test cable connectivity (e.g.,opens, shorts, impedance mismatch), network performance, networkoperation (ping, trace route, IP connectivity), video quality (e.g.,multicast video quality measurement (VQM)), HPNA (e.g., HPNA bandwidthtable, node statistics, packet errors), multi-room digital videorecorder (DVR) functionality, STB verification, RG verification, and/orpre-qualify unused jacks;

(B) communicatively coupled to a wired Ethernet jack 160 to allow thehome network test server 150 to test public Internet access speed, STBverification, RG verification, remote activation, and/or remote control;and/or

(C) communicatively coupled to the RG 110 via a WLAN to test WLANnetwork (e.g., ping, trace route, IP connectivity), WLAN configuration,WLAN mode, WLAN security, WLAN power level, WLAN signal strength, WLANchannel number, WLAN network detection, WLAN connection speed, WLANthroughput, remote activation, and/or remote control.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, the home network test server 150includes different peripheral connections to enable testing of differentaspects of the home network 105. Each of the example peripheralconnections of FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B are capable to implement thefunctionality of a standalone test device. In other words, the examplehome network test server 150 integrates the functionality of multiplestandalone test devices. The home network test server 150 also includesinternal and/or removable storage to enable the storage and subsequentretrieval of test results. Because the example home network test server150 of FIG. 1 is an Internet protocol (IP) based server, technicians canremotely access the home network test server 150 to test the examplehome network 105.

In some examples, the home network test server 150 includes interfaces(e.g., an RS-232 interface) and/or graphical user interfaces (GUIs) thatenable the home network test server 150 to communicate and/or interactwith traditional backend testing systems such as Lightspeed BroadbandTest (LSBBT) and Simplified Customer Account Navigation and ResolutionTool (SCANR) and/or non home network equipment and/or devices such as afiber optic multiplexor.

To facilitate configuration, control and/or use of the home network testserver 150, the example home network test system 100 of FIG. 1 includesa home network test controller 190. The example home network testcontroller 190 of FIG. 1 is communicatively coupleable to the homenetwork test server 150 via a wireless connection such as a WLANconnection and/or a wireless Bluetooth® connection. An example homenetwork test controller 190 comprises a laptop computer, a netbookcomputer, a tablet computer such as an IPad™, or a smartphone such as aniPhone®, a Blackberry® or an Android™ based phone and/or any othermobile or handheld device having a wireless interface. As describedbelow in connection with FIGS. 17-22, the example home network testcontroller 190 presents one or more GUIs to allow a user of the homenetwork test controller 190 to configure, control and/or use the examplehome network test server 150 without having to physically be at the homenetwork test server 150. For example, the home network test controller190 can be used as the technician moves around a customer premises totest, debug and/or troubleshoot the home network 105 without have tochange the location of the home network test server 150. Additionally oralternatively, the home network test controller 190 can be remotelyaccessed and/or controlled via the example cable or link 125 without thetechnician even being at the customer premises containing the homenetwork 105. The home network test controller 190 can also becommunicatively coupled to the example femtocell 130 via a cellular totest and/or qualify the femtocell 130. An example manner of implementingthe example home network test server 150 is shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example manner of implementing the example homenetwork test server 150 of FIG. 1. The example home network test server150 of FIG. 2 includes a housing 205 and a processor platform 210implemented within the housing 205. An example housing 205 isillustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The example processor platform 210 ofFIG. 2 is capable of executing the example processes of FIGS. 8-15 totest a home network such as the example home network 105.

The processor platform 210 of FIG. 2 includes at least one programmableprocessor 212. For example, the processor 212 of FIG. 2 can beimplemented by one or more Intel® microprocessors from the Pentium®family, the Itanium® family or the Xscale® family. Of course, otherprocessors from other processor families and/or manufacturers are alsoappropriate. The example processor 212 executes coded instructions 214and/or 216 present in main memory of the processor 212 (e.g., within avolatile memory 218 and/or a non-volatile memory 220) and/or in astorage device 222. The processor 212 may execute, among other things,the machine-accessible instructions to perform the processes of FIGS.8-15 to test a home network such as the example home network 105. Thus,the coded instructions 214, 216 may include the instructions toimplement the processes of FIGS. 8-15.

In the example of FIG. 2, the coded instructions 214, 216 also includemachine-accessible instructions representing a primary operating systemsuch as any version of the Linux® operating system. The primaryoperating system includes and/or implements communication protocols suchas secure shell (SSH), file transfer protocol (FTP), transmissioncontrol protocol (TCP), IP, etc. to facilitate testing of the homenetwork 105. The example coded instructions 214, 216 include additionalmachine-accessible instructions representing a secondary operatingsystem such as the Windows CE® operating system executing as asub-component of the primary operating system. The secondary operatingsystem is used to enable interactions with legacy systems and/or devicesrelying on graphic intensive interfaces intended for use with Windows CEbased devices.

The example processor 212 of FIG. 2 is in communication with the mainmemory including the non-volatile memory 220, the volatile memory 218and the storage device 222 via a bus 224. The volatile memory 218 may beimplemented by Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), DynamicRandom Access Memory (DRAM), RAMBUS Dynamic Random Access Memory (RDRAM)and/or any other type of RAM device. The non-volatile memory 220 may beimplemented by flash memory and/or any other desired type of memorydevice. Access to the memories 218, 220 may be controlled by a memorycontroller.

To allow the example processor 212 to interact with hardware devices,the processor platform 210 of FIG. 2 includes any number and/or type(s)of hardware interface(s) 226. The example hardware interface(s) 226 ofFIG. 2 facilitate(s) communication between the processor 212 and aBluetooth® transceiver 228, an HPNA transceiver 230, a WLAN transceiver235, an Ethernet transceiver 240, an expansion module 245, an RS-232module 250, a universal serial bus (USB) module 255, light emittingdiodes (LEDs) 260 and a power module 265.

To communicatively couple the home network test server 150 to theexample home network test controller 190, the example processor platform210 of FIG. 2 includes the example Bluetooth transceiver 228 and anantenna 229. The example Bluetooth transceiver 228 of FIG. 2 enables theexample processor 212 to exchange commands, messages and/or data with aprocessor of the example home network test controller 190. Additionallyor alternatively, the processor 212 can exchange commands, messagesand/or data with the example home network test controller 190 via theexample WLAN transceiver 235.

To enable testing of an HPNA based Ethernet over coaxial cable network,the example processor platform 210 of FIG. 2 includes the example HPNAtransceiver 230 and an F-connector 231. The example HPNA transceiver 230of FIG. 2 is able to join or become a member of an HPNA based networksuch as that shown in FIG. 1. The example HPNA transceiver 230 isimplemented in accordance with any of the ITU-T G.995x recommendationsfor HPNA transceivers. The example processor 212 is able via the HPNAtransceiver 230 to perform one or more tests of the HPNA network suchas, but not limited to, ping, trace route, IP connectivity, HPNAbandwidth table, HPNA node statistics, packet errors and/or multicastVQM.

To enable testing of a WLAN, the example processor platform 210 of FIG.2 includes the example WLAN transceiver 235 and an antenna 236. Theexample WLAN transceiver 235 of FIG. 2 is able to join or become amember of WLAN such as the WLAN shown in FIG. 1. The example WLANtransceiver 235 is implemented in accordance with any of the Instituteof Electrical and Electronic Engineer (IEEE) 802.11x standards forWLANs. In some examples, the antenna 229 is shared by the exampleBluetooth transceiver 228 and the example WLAN transceiver 235, enablingthe example antenna 236 to be omitted. The example processor 212 is ablevia the WLAN transceiver 235 to perform one or more tests of the WLANsuch as, but not limited to, ping, trace route, IP connectivity, WLANreportable information (e.g., MAC, mode, security, power level, signalstrength and/or channel number), WLAN detection and/or multicast VQM.

To enable testing of a wired Ethernet network, the example processorplatform 210 of FIG. 2 includes the example Ethernet transceiver 240 andone or more RJ45 connectors 241. The example Ethernet transceiver 240 ofFIG. 2 is able to join or become a member of local area network (LAN)such as that shown in FIG. 1. The example Ethernet transceiver 240 isimplemented in accordance with any of the IEEE 802.1x standards forLANs. The example processor 212 is able via the Ethernet transceiver 240to perform one or more tests of the LAN such as, but not limited to,ping, trace route, IP connectivity, WLAN reportable information (e.g.,MAC, mode, security, power level, signal strength and/or channelnumber), WLAN detection and/or multicast VQM.

To provide user removable storage, the example processor platform 210 ofFIG. 2 includes the example expansion module 245 and a secure digital(SD™) memory card connector 246, and the example USB module 255 and aUSB port 256. Results of tests performed by the processor 212 may bestored on the memory 218, an SD memory card inserted into the SD memorycard connector 246 and/or on a USB storage device inserted into the USBport 256. In some examples, the coded instructions 214 and 216 may beupdated and/or upgraded from machine-accessible instructions stored onan inserted SD memory card and/or an inserted USB storage device.

To facilitate communication with legacy devices such as a fiber opticmultiplexor, the example processor platform 210 of FIG. 2 may optionallyinclude the example RS-232 module 250 and an RS-232 connector 251. Otheroptional modules, connectors and/or interfaces that may be include inthe home network test server 150 include, but are not limited to, adialup modem.

To provide status information, the example processor platform 210includes the example LEDs 260. The example LEDs 260 of FIG. 2 include async LED, a data transmission LED, an error LED, a power LED, a link LEDand a battery status LED. The example LEDs 260 allow a technician toquickly check the status of the example home network test server 150without use of the example home network test controller 190. However,the information presented by the LEDs 260 may, additionally oralternatively, be accessed via the home network test controller 190.

To provide power, the example processor platform 210 includes theexample power module 265, a power connector 266 and a battery 270. Theexample home network test server 150 of FIG. 2 may be powered via thepower connector 266 and/or by the battery 270. The example battery 270may be charged via the example power connector 266. The example battery270 of FIG. 2 is a field swappable and/or replaceable Li-Ionrechargeable battery.

In some examples, the processor platform 210 also includes one or moremass storage devices 222 to store software and/or data. Examples storagedevices 222 include a floppy disk drive, a hard disk drive, asolid-state hard disk drive, a CD drive, a DVD drive and/or any othersolid-state, magnetic and/or optical storage device. The example storagedevices 222 may be used to, for example, store coded instructions and/orhome network test results.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict an example housing 205 that may be used to houseand/or contain the example processor platform 210 of FIG. 1. As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the example housing 205 exposes the example F-connector231, the example RJ45 connector(s) 241, the example SD memory cardconnector 246, the example USB port 256, the example LEDs 260 and thepower connector 266 of FIG. 2 for use and/or access by a user of theexample home network test server 150.

While an example manner of implementing the example home network testserver 150 of FIG. 1 is illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, one or moreof the elements, modules, processors, transceivers, modules, connectors,ports and/or devices illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B may be combined,divided, re-arranged, omitted, eliminated and/or implemented in anyother way. Further, the home network test server 150 may include one ormore elements, modules, processors, transceivers, modules, connectors,ports and/or devices in addition to, or instead of, those illustrated inFIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, and/or may include more than one of any or all ofthe illustrated elements, modules, processors, transceivers, modules,connectors, ports and/or devices.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example manner of implementing the example homenetwork test controller 190 of FIG. 1. The example home network testcontroller 190 of FIG. 4 includes a housing 405 and a processor platform410 implemented within the housing 405. The example processor platform410 of FIG. 4 is capable of executing the example process of FIG. 16 totest a femtocell and/or to present the example GUIs of FIGS. 17-22. Theexample home network test controller 190 of FIG. 4 can be, for example,a laptop computer, a netbook computer, a tablet computer such as anIPad, or a smartphone such as an iPhone, a Blackberry or an Androidbased phone and/or any other type of portable, mobile or handheld devicecontaining a processor and a wireless interface.

The example processor platform 410 of FIG. 4 includes at least oneprogrammable processor 412. For example, the processor 412 can beimplemented by one or more Intel® microprocessors from the Pentiumfamily, the Itanium family or the Xscale family. Of course, otherprocessors from other processor families and/or manufacturers are alsoappropriate. The example processor 412 of FIG. 2 executes codedinstructions 414 and/or 416 present in main memory of the processor 412(e.g., within a volatile memory 418 and/or a non-volatile memory 420)and/or in a storage device 422. The processor 412 may perform, amongother things, the example process of FIG. 16 to test a femtocell and/orto present the example GUIs of FIGS. 17-22. Thus, the coded instructions414, 416 may include the instructions to implement the example processesof FIG. 16.

The example processor 412 of FIG. 4 is in communication with the mainmemory including the non-volatile memory 420 and the volatile memory418, and the storage device 422 via a bus 424. The volatile memory 418may be implemented by Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM),Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), RAMBUS Dynamic Random Access Memory(RDRAM) and/or any other type of RAM device. The non-volatile memory 420may be implemented by flash memory and/or any other desired type ofmemory device. Access to the memories 418, 420 may be controlled by amemory controller.

To allow the example processor 412 of FIG. 4 to interact with hardwaredevices, the processor platform 410 of FIG. 4 includes any number and/ortype(s) of hardware interface(s) 426. The example hardware interface(s)426 facilitate(s) communication between the processor 412 and aBluetooth transceiver 430, a WLAN transceiver 435, a cellulartransceiver 440, a display module 445, a communication module 450 and apower module 455.

To communicatively couple the home network test controller 190 to theexample home network test server 150, the example processor platform 410of FIG. 4 includes the example Bluetooth transceiver 430 and an antenna431. The example Bluetooth transceiver 430 of FIG. 4 enables the exampleprocessor 412 to exchange commands, messages and/or data with theexample home network test server 150. Additionally or alternatively, theprocessor 412 can exchange commands, messages and/or data with theexample home network test controller 190 via the WLAN transceiver 435.

To communicatively couple the home network test controller 190 to a WLANand/or the example home network test server 150, the example processorplatform 410 of FIG. 4 includes the example WLAN transceiver 435 and anantenna 436. The example WLAN transceiver 435 of FIG. 4 is able to joinor become a member of WLAN such as that shown in FIG. 1. The exampleWLAN transceiver 435 is implemented in accordance with any of theInstitute of Electrical and Electronic Engineer (IEEE) 802.11x standardsfor WLANs. In some examples, the antenna 431 is shared by the exampleBluetooth transceiver 430 and the example WLAN transceiver 435, enablingthe example antenna 436 to be omitted. The example processor 412 is ablevia the WLAN transceiver 435 to exchange commands, messages and/or datawith the example home network test server 150.

To communicatively couple the home network test controller 190 to theexample femtocell 130 and/or a service provider's cellular base station,the example processor platform 410 of FIG. 4 includes the examplecellular transceiver 440 and an antenna 441. In addition to enablingvoice communication via the home network test server 190, the exampleprocessor 412 is able via the example cellular transceiver 440 of FIG. 4to perform one or more tests of the femtocell 130.

To present a user interface, the example processor platform 410 of FIG.4 includes the example display module or device 445. The example displaydevice 445 of FIG. 4 receives data and/or value representing a GUI andpresents or displays the GUI on a display 446 such as a touch screen446.

To communicatively couple the home network test controller 190 to acomputer, the example processor platform 410 of FIG. 4 includes theexample communication module 450 and a docking connector 451. Theexample processor 412 is able via the communication module 450 toexchange data with a computer via the docking connector 451. In someexamples, the coded instructions 414 and 416 may be updated and/orupgraded from machine-accessible instructions received via the dockingconnector 451.

To provide power, the example processor platform 410 includes theexample power module 455, the example docking connector 451 and abattery 460. The example home network test controller 190 of FIG. 4 maybe powered via the connector 451 and/or by the battery 460.Additionally, the battery 460 may be charged via the docking connector451. In some examples, the battery 460 is user and/or field replaceableor swappable battery.

In some examples, the processor platform 410 also includes one or moremass storage devices 422 to store software and/or data. Examples of suchstorage devices 422 include a floppy disk drive, a hard disk drive, asolid-state hard disk drive, a CD drive, a DVD drive and/or any othersolid-state, magnetic and/or optical storage device. The example storagedevices 422 may be used to, for example, store the coded instructionsand/or home network test results.

While an example manner of implementing the example home network testcontroller 190 of FIG. 1 is illustrated in FIG. 4, one or more of theelements, modules, processors, transceivers, modules, connectors, portsand/or devices illustrated in FIG. 4 may be combined, divided,re-arranged, omitted, eliminated and/or implemented in any other way.Further, the home network test controller 190 may include one or moreelements, modules, processors, transceivers, modules, connectors, portsand/or devices in addition to, or instead of, those illustrated in FIG.4, and/or may include more than one of any or all of the illustratedelements, modules, processors, transceivers, modules, connectors, portsand/or devices.

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are flowcharts representing example processes that maybe carried out or performed by, for example, a user such as a servicetechnician to test a home network such as the example home network 105of FIG. 1. Other methods of implementing the example operations of FIGS.5-7 may be employed. For example, the order of execution of the blocksmay be changed, and/or one or more of the blocks described may bechanged, eliminated, sub-divided, or combined. Additionally, the blocksof any or all of the example processes of FIGS. 5-7 may be carried outsequentially and/or carried out in parallel by, for example, multiplepersons.

The example process of FIG. 5 may be performed to carry out any numberand/or type(s) of tests of a home network such as the example homenetwork 105. The example process of FIG. 5 begins with the installationand/or configuration of a new service such as an HPNA based network, aDVR, an RG, a WLAN, etc. (block 505). The example home network testserver 150 is communicatively coupled to the home network at a firsttest location (e.g., at the example HPNA jack 155 to perform an HPNAtest, a DVR test and/or a video quality test, at the example jack 160 toperform a Internet connection test, an Internet access speed test and/ora RG test, and/or at a WLAN location to perform a test of a WLAN) (block510).

Using the example home network test controller 190, a user selects andinitiates a test using an interface such as the example GUI shown inFIG. 17 (block 515). In response to the selection, the home network testcontroller 190 sends a command and/or signal to the home network testserver 150 via a wireless signal to trigger initiation of the selectedtest. The home network test server 150 performs the test and providesone or more results of the test of the home network test controller 190.The results of the test are reviewed by the user via an interface of thehome network test controller 190 (block 520). Example GUIs that may bedisplayed at the home network test controller 190 to present testresults are shown in FIGS. 18-22. In some examples, the home networktest controller 190 presents information identifying potential homenetwork conditions (e.g., crosstalk, low signal strength, short, open,etc.) that warrant investigation by the user.

As applicable and appropriate, the user mediates (e.g., debugs,troubleshoots, repairs and/or corrects) conditions in the home networkthat result in an unsatisfactory test result (block 525). If the userwants to test their mediation (block 530), the user reinitiates the testvia the home network test controller (block 515).

If the user does not want to retest (block 530), the user optionallystores test results on the home network test controller 190 and/or thehome network test server 150 (block 535). If there are more locations totest (block 540), control returns to block 510 to test the nextlocation. If test is complete (block 540), control exits from theexample process of FIG. 5.

The example process of FIG. 6 may be performed to carry out any numberand/or type(s) of remote tests of a home network such as the examplehome network 105. The example process of FIG. 6 begins with theinstallation and/or configuration of a new service such as an HPNA basednetwork, a DVR, an RG, a WLAN, etc. (block 605). The example homenetwork test server 150 is communicatively coupled to the home networkat a location within the customer premises (e.g., at the example HPNAjack 155 to perform an HPNA test, a DVR test and/or a video qualitytest, at the example jack 160 to perform a Internet connection test, anInternet access speed test and/or a RG test, and/or at a WLAN locationto perform a test of a WLAN) (block 610).

Using the example home network test controller 190, a user initiates aremote control mode of the home network test server 150 (block 615). Inresponse to initiation of the remote control mode, the home network testserver 150 obtains an IP address from the RG 110 and configures the RG110 to expose the IP address and a port of the RG 110 to the homenetwork test controller 190. From any location with wired, wirelessand/or cellular Internet connectivity, public or private, to the RG 110,the user interacts with the home network test controller 190 to selectand initiate tests to be performed by the home network test server 150and to review test results (block 620).

Based on the tests and test results, the user mediates (e.g., debugs,troubleshoots, repairs and/or corrects) conditions in the home networkand/or a service provider network that result in an unsatisfactory testresult (block 625). Using the example home network test controller 190,a user terminates the remote control mode of the home network testserver 150 (block 630) and control exits from the example process ofFIG. 6. In response to termination of the remote control mode, the homenetwork test server 150 releases the IP address and configures the RG110 to hide the IP address and the port of the RG 110.

The example process of FIG. 7 may be performed to carry out any numberand/or type(s) of tests of a femtocell such as the example femtocell130. The example process of FIG. 7 begins with the installation and/orconfiguration of the femtocell (block 705). Using the example homenetwork test controller 190, a user selects and initiates a femtocelltest using an interface such as the example GUI shown in FIG. 17 (block710). In response to the selection, the home network test controller 190performs the selected femtocell test. The home network test controller190 performs the test and provides one or more results of the test ofthe home network test controller 190. The results of the test arereviewed by the user via an interface of the home network testcontroller 190 (block 715). In some examples, the home network testcontroller 190 presents information identifying potential home networkconditions (e.g., missing signal) that warrant investigation by theuser.

As applicable and appropriate, the user mediates (e.g., debugs,troubleshoots, repairs and/or corrects) conditions in the home networkand/or femtocell that result in an unsatisfactory test result (block720). If the user wants test their mediation (block 725), the userreinitiates the test via the home network test controller 190 (block710).

If the user does not want to retest (block 725), the user optionallystores test results on the home network test controller 190 (block 730).Control then exits from the example process of FIG. 7.

FIGS. 8-15 are flowcharts representing example processes that may beembodied as machine-accessible instructions and executed by, forexample, one or more processors to test a home network. A processor, acontroller and/or any other suitable processing device may be used,configured and/or programmed to perform the example processes of FIGS.8-15. For example, the processes of FIGS. 8-15 may be embodied in codedinstructions stored on a tangible article of manufacture such as atangible computer-readable medium. Machine-readable instructionscomprise, for example, instructions that cause a processor, a computerand/or a machine having a processor (e.g., the example processorplatform 210 of FIG. 2) to perform one or more particular processes.Alternatively, some or all of the example processes of FIGS. 8-15 may beimplemented using any combination(s) of application specific integratedcircuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)) and/or fieldprogrammable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)), field-programmable gate array(s)(FPGA(s)), fuses, discrete logic, hardware, firmware, etc. Also, some orall of the example processes of FIGS. 8-15 may be implemented manuallyor as any combination of any of the foregoing techniques, for example,any combination of firmware, software, discrete logic and/or hardware.Further, many other methods of implementing the example operations ofFIGS. 8-15 may be employed. For example, the order of execution of theblocks may be changed, and/or one or more of the blocks described may bechanged, eliminated, sub-divided, or combined. Additionally, the blocksof any or all of the example processes of FIGS. 8-15 may be carried outsequentially and/or carried out in parallel by, for example, separateprocessing threads, processors, devices, discrete logic, circuits, etc.

As used herein, the term tangible computer-readable medium is expresslydefined to include any type of computer-readable medium and to expresslyexclude propagating signals. Example computer-readable medium include,but are not limited to, a volatile and/or non-volatile memory, avolatile and/or non-volatile memory device, a compact disc (CD), adigital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk, a read-only memory (ROM), arandom-access memory (RAM), a programmable ROM (PROM), anelectronically-programmable ROM (EPROM), an electronically-erasable PROM(EEPROM), an optical storage disk, an optical storage device, magneticstorage disk, a magnetic storage device, a cache, and/or any otherstorage media in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., forextended time periods, permanently, brief instances, for temporarilybuffering, and/or for caching of the information) and which can beaccessed by a processor, a computer and/or other machine having aprocessor, such as the example processor platform 210 discussed inconnection with FIG. 2 and/or the example processor platform 410discussed in connection with FIG. 4. As used herein, the termnon-transitory computer-readable medium is expressly defined to includeany type of computer-readable medium and to exclude propagating signals.

The example process of FIG. 8 may be carried out by the example homenetwork test server 150 to test an HPNA based network such as that shownin FIG. 1. The example process of FIG. 8 begins with the example HPNAtransceiver 230 joining the HPNA network (block 805). The exampleprocessor 212 via the HPNA transceiver 230 tests each HPNA node of theHPNA network for, for example, throughput, errors and/or faults (block810). In some examples, the processor 212 processes the results of thetests to identify potential faults needing mediation by a user and/ortechnician (block 815). The processor 212 provides the test resultsand/or identified potential faults to the home network test controller190 via the Bluetooth transceiver 228 and/or the WLAN transceiver 235(block 820). In a remote test scenario, the test results and/oridentified potential faults may be provided to the home network testcontroller 190 via the Ethernet transceiver 240. Depending on itsconfiguration, the example processor 212 stores the test results and/oridentified potential faults in the memory 218, the storage device(s)222, on an inserted SD card and/or on an inserted USB device (block825). Control then exits from the example process of FIG. 8.

The example process of FIG. 9 may be carried out by the example homenetwork test server 150 to test Internet access speed. The exampleprocess of FIG. 9 begins with the example Ethernet transceiver 240performing a domain host control protocol (DHCP) query or a static IPrequest to obtain an IP address (block 905). The example processor 212via the Ethernet transceiver 240 connects to a service providerthroughput test server (block 910) and performs upstream and downstreamInternet access speed tests (block 915). In some examples, the processor212 processes the results of the tests to identify potential faultsneeding mediation by a user and/or technician (block 920). The processor212 provides the test results and/or identified potential faults to thehome network test controller 190 via the Bluetooth transceiver 228and/or the WLAN transceiver 235 (block 925). In a remote test scenario,the test results and/or identified potential faults may be provided tothe home network test controller 190 via the Ethernet transceiver 240.Depending on its configuration, the example processor 212 stores thetest results and/or identified potential faults in the memory 218, thestorage device(s) 222, on an inserted SD card and/or on an inserted USBdevice (block 930). Control then exits from the example process of FIG.9.

The example process of FIG. 10 may be carried out by the example homenetwork test server 150 to test video quality. The example process ofFIG. 10 begins with the example processor 212 connecting to a video teststream and/or channel via the HPNA transceiver 230 and/or the Ethernettransceiver 240 (block 1005). The example processor 212 performs a videotest such as Spirent's multicast VQM (block 1010). In some examples, theprocessor 212 processes the results of the tests to identify potentialfaults needing mediation by a user and/or technician (block 1015). Theprocessor 212 provides the test results and/or identified potentialfaults to the home network test controller 190 via the Bluetoothtransceiver 228 and/or the WLAN transceiver 235 (block 1020). In aremote test scenario, the test results and/or identified potentialfaults may be provided to the home network test controller 190 via theEthernet transceiver 240. Depending on its configuration, the exampleprocessor 212 stores the test results and/or identified potential faultsin the memory 218, the storage device(s) 222, on an inserted SD cardand/or on an inserted USB device (block 1025). Control then exits fromthe example process of FIG. 10.

The example process of FIG. 11 may be carried out by the example homenetwork test server 150 to perform a multi-room DVR test. The exampleprocess of FIG. 11 begins with the example HPNA transceiver 230 joiningthe HPNA network (block 1105). The example processor 212 via the HPNAtransceiver 230 tests the HPNA network for network health (block 1110)and tests each HPNA node of the HPNA network for, for example, aconfiguration issue, throughput, errors and/or faults (block 1115). Insome examples, the processor 212 processes the results of the tests toidentify potential faults needing mediation by a user and/or technician(block 1120). The processor 212 provides the test results and/oridentified potential faults to the home network test controller 190 viathe Bluetooth transceiver 228 and/or the WLAN transceiver 235 (block1125). In a remote test scenario, the test results and/or identifiedpotential faults may be provided to the home network test controller 190via the Ethernet transceiver 240. Depending on its configuration, theexample processor 212 stores the test results and/or identifiedpotential faults in the memory 218, the storage device(s) 222, on aninserted SD card and/or on an inserted USB device (block 1130). Controlthen exits from the example process of FIG. 11.

The example process of FIG. 12 may be carried out by the example homenetwork test server 150 to perform a RG or STB test. The example processof FIG. 12 begins with the example HPNA transceiver 230 joining the HPNAnetwork (block 1205). The example processor 212 via the HPNA transceiver230 tests the HPNA network for network health (block 1210) and test theRG or STB to ensure its throughput exceeds a threshold (block 1215). Insome example, the processor 212 processes the results of the tests toidentify potential faults needing mediation by a user and/or technician(block 1220). The processor 212 provides the test results and/oridentified potential faults to the home network test controller 190 viathe Bluetooth transceiver 228 and/or the WLAN transceiver 235 (block1225). In a remote test scenario, the test results and/or identifiedpotential faults may be provided to the home network test controller 190via the Ethernet transceiver 240. Depending on its configuration, theexample processor 212 stores the test results and/or identifiedpotential faults in the memory 218, the storage device(s) 222, on aninserted SD card and/or on an inserted USB device (block 1230). Controlthen exits from the example process of FIG. 12.

The example process of FIG. 13 may be carried out by the example homenetwork test server 150 to test WLAN speed. The example process of FIG.13 begins with the example WLAN transceiver 235 performing a domain hostcontrol protocol (DHCP) query or a static IP request to obtain an IPaddress (block 1305). The example processor 212 via the WLAN transceiver235 connects to a service provider throughput test site or server (notshown) (block 1310) and performs upstream and downstream WLAN throughputtests (block 1315). In some example, the processor 212 processes theresults of the tests to identify potential faults needing mediation by auser and/or technician (block 1320). The processor 212 provides the testresults and/or identified potential faults to the home network testcontroller 190 via the Bluetooth transceiver 228 and/or the WLANtransceiver 235 (block 1325). In a remote test scenario, the testresults and/or identified potential faults may be provided to the homenetwork test controller 190 via the Ethernet transceiver 240. Dependingon its configuration, the example processor 212 stores the test resultsand/or identified potential faults in the memory 218, the storagedevice(s) 222, on an inserted SD card and/or on an inserted USB device(block 1330). Control then exits from the example process of FIG. 13.

The example process of FIG. 14 may be carried out by the example homenetwork test server 150 to perform a test of an unused jack 155, 160.The example process of FIG. 14 begins with the example HPNA transceiver230 and/or the example Ethernet transceiver 240 joining the home network(block 1405). The example processor 212 via the transceiver 230, 240tests the network for network health (block 1410) and tests whether theunused jack 155, 160 is capable to receive services configured in thehome network (block 1415). In some examples, the processor 212 processesthe results of the tests to identify potential faults needing mediationby a user and/or technician (block 1420). The processor 212 provides thetest results and/or identified potential faults to the home network testcontroller 190 via the Bluetooth transceiver 228 and/or the WLANtransceiver 235 (block 1425). In a remote test scenario, the testresults and/or identified potential faults may be provided to the homenetwork test controller 190 via the Ethernet transceiver 240. Dependingon its configuration, the example processor 212 stores the test resultsand/or identified potential faults in the memory 218, the storagedevice(s) 222, on an inserted SD card and/or on an inserted USB device(block 1430). Control then exits from the example process of FIG. 14.

The example process of FIG. 15 may be carried out by the example homenetwork test server 150 to perform a remote controlled test. The exampleprocess of FIG. 15 begins with the example HPNA transceiver 230 and/orthe example Ethernet transceiver 240 obtaining an IP address from the RG110 (block 1505). The example processor 212 reconfigures the RG 110 toexpose the obtained IP address and enable access to the home networktest server 150 from outside the home network (block 1510). As testcommands are received from the remote home network test controller 190,the home network test server 150 performs the request test and/orconfiguration tasks (block 1515). In some examples, the processor 212processes the results of the tests to identify potential faults needingmediation by a user and/or technician (block 1520). The processor 212provides the test results and/or identified potential faults to the homenetwork test controller 190 via the Bluetooth transceiver 228 and/or theWLAN transceiver 235 (block 1525). In a remote test scenario, the testresults and/or identified potential faults may be provided to the homenetwork test controller 190 via the Ethernet transceiver 240. Dependingon its configuration, the example processor 212 stores the test resultsand/or identified potential faults in the memory 218, the storagedevice(s) 222, on an inserted SD card and/or on an inserted USB device(block 1530). When remote test mode is terminated (block 1535), theprocessor 212 restores the configuration of the RG 110 to hide theobtained IP address and block access to the home network test server 150from outside the home network (block 1540). Control then exits from theexample process of FIG. 15.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart representing an example process that may beembodied as machine-accessible instructions and executed by, forexample, the example home network test controller 190 to perform afemtocell test. A processor, a controller and/or any other suitableprocessing device may be used, configured and/or programmed to performthe example process of FIG. 16. For example, the process of FIG. 16 maybe embodied in coded instructions stored on a tangible computer-readablemedium. Alternatively, some or all of the example process of FIG. 16 maybe implemented using any combination(s) of ASIC(s), PLD(s), FPLD(s),FPGA(s), fuses, discrete logic, hardware, firmware, etc. Also, some orall of the example process of FIG. 16 may be implemented manually or asany combination of any of the foregoing techniques, for example, anycombination of firmware, software, discrete logic and/or hardware.Further, many other methods of implementing the example operations ofFIG. 16 may be employed. For example, the order of execution of theblocks may be changed, and/or one or more of the blocks described may bechanged, eliminated, sub-divided, or combined. Additionally, the blocksof any or all of the example process of FIG. 16 may be carried outsequentially and/or carried out in parallel by, for example, separateprocessing threads, processors, devices, discrete logic, circuits, etc.

The example process of FIG. 16 may be carried out by the example homenetwork test server 160 to perform a remote controlled test. The exampleprocess of FIG. 16 begins with the example cellular transceiver 440(FIG. 4) connecting to the example femtocell 160 (block 1605). Theexample processor 412 obtains from the example cellular transceiver 440information regarding the connection (e.g., signal strength, connectionspeed, etc.) with the femtocell 160 (block 1610) In some examples, theprocessor 212 processes the results of the tests to identify potentialfaults needing mediation by a user and/or technician (block 1615). Theprocessor 412 presents the test results and/or identified potentialfaults via the example display module 445 and display 446 of the homenetwork test controller 190 (block 1620). Depending on itsconfiguration, the example processor 412 stores the test results and/oridentified potential faults in the memory 418, the storage device(s) 422(block 1625). Control then exits from the example process of FIG. 16.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example GUI that may be presented by the examplehome network test controller 190 to enable a user to initiate one ormore tests of a home network. The example GUI of FIG. 17 includes aplurality of selectable screen elements 1705 that may be activated toinitiate a corresponding test. For example, the selectable element 1710initiates an HPNA test such as the example HPNA test illustrated in FIG.8.

FIGS. 18-22 illustrates example GUIs that may be displayed by theexample home network test controller 190 to present test results, homenetwork status, home network connectivity, home network performanceand/or identified potential home network faults.

Returning to FIG. 17, the example GUI also includes a selectable element1715 to configure a serial connection (e.g., RS-232) between the homenetwork test server 150 and an external peripheral test device.Activation of the example GUI element 1715 causes the home network testcontroller 190 to present the example GUI of FIG. 23 to allow a user toconfigured serial communication parameters.

Returning to FIG. 17, the example GUI includes another selectableelement 1720 to initiate a TCP/IP test such as ping, trace route, etc.Activation of the example GUI element 1720 causes the home network testcontroller 190 to present another GUI to enable a user to select and/orinitiate specific TCP/IP tests.

The example GUI of FIG. 17 includes another selectable element 1725 toenable the user to configure the home network test controller 190.Activation of the example GUI element 1720 causes the home network testcontroller 190 to present yet another GUI to enable a user to configurethe example home network test controller 190.

FIGS. 24-26 present example terminal interface screens depicting use ofthe example home network test controller 190 to interact with, controland/or configure traditional or legacy backend testing systems such asLSBBT and SCANR and/or non home network equipment and/or devices such asa fiber optic multiplexor.

Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacturehave been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is notlimited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods,apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope ofthe claims of this patent.

1. A method comprising: instructing, from a test controller, a testserver to become communicatively coupled to a residential gateway of ahome network, the test server separate from the residential gateway, thetest controller separate from the residential gateway; instructing, fromthe test controller, the test server to perform a first test of the homenetwork; performing, with a cellular transceiver of the test controller,a second test of a femtocell, the second test different from the firsttest, the femtocell communicatively coupled to the residential gateway,the femtocell separate from the residential gateway; and presenting, viaa display of the test controller, a first result of the first test and asecond result of the second test.
 2. The method as defined in claim 1,wherein the residential gateway communicatively couples the femtocell toan external network.
 3. The method as defined in claim 1, furtherincluding identifying a problem in the home network based on at leastone of the first result or the second result.
 4. The method as definedin claim 1, wherein the test controller includes a processor within atleast one of a mobile handheld device, a tablet computer, or asmartphone.
 5. The method as defined in claim 1, further includingstoring a second result of the second test on at least one of anon-volatile storage device or a universal serial bus device.
 6. Themethod as defined in claim 1, wherein the second test is performedwithout communicating via the residential gateway.
 7. The method asdefined in claim 1, wherein the second test is performed via a directconnection between the cellular transceiver and the femtocell.
 8. Themethod as defined in claim 7, wherein instructing the test server toperform the first test is performed using a first communication protocoland the second test is performed using a second communication protocoldifferent from the first communication protocol.
 9. The method asdefined in claim 8, wherein the first communication protocol is aBluetooth communication protocol and the second communication protocolis a cellular communication protocol.
 10. The method as defined in claim1, wherein the first test is at least one of a bandwidth test, a videoquality test, a multi-room digital video recorder test, a set top boxtest, a wireless test, or an unused jack test, and the second test is afemtocell test.
 11. A test controller comprising: a processor; adisplay; a first communication interface; a second communicationinterface; and a memory having machine readable instructions storedthereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor toperform operations comprising: instructing a test server to becomecommunicatively coupled to a residential gateway of a home network, thetest server separate from the residential gateway, the test controllerseparate from the residential gateway; instructing the test server toperform a first test of the home network, the instructing performedusing the first communication interface; performing, with the secondcommunication interface, a second test of a femtocell, the second testdifferent from the first test, the femtocell communicatively coupled tothe residential gateway, the femtocell separate from the residentialgateway; and presenting, via the display of the test controller, a firstresult of the first test and a second result of the second test.
 12. Thetest controller as defined in claim 11, wherein the residential gatewaycommunicatively couples the femtocell to an external network.
 13. Thetest controller as defined in claim 11, wherein the operations furtherinclude identifying a potential problem in the home network based on atleast one of the first result or the second result.
 14. (canceled) 15.(canceled)
 16. The test controller as defined in claim 11, wherein thefirst communication interface includes at least one of a Bluetoothtransceiver or a wireless local area network transceiver.
 17. The testcontroller as defined in claim 11, wherein the first test is performedusing a home phoneline networking alliance transceiver and anF-connector.
 18. The test controller as defined in claim 11, furtherincluding a wireless local area network transceiver.
 19. The testcontroller as defined in claim 11, further including an Ethernettransceiver.
 20. A computer-readable storage device comprisinginstructions which, when executed by a test controller, cause the testcontroller to perform operations comprising: instructing, from a testcontroller, a test server to become communicatively coupled to aresidential gateway of a home network, the test server separate from theresidential gateway, the test controller separate from the residentialgateway; instructing, from the test controller, the test server toperform a first test of the home network; performing, with a cellulartransceiver of the test controller, a second test of a femtocell, thesecond test different from the first test, the femtocell communicativelycoupled to the residential gateway, the femtocell separate from theresidential gateway; and presenting, via a display of the testcontroller, a first result of the first test and a second result of thesecond test.
 21. (canceled)
 22. The computer-readable storage device asdefined in claim 20, wherein the operations further include identifyinga potential problem in the home network based on at least one of thefirst result or the second result.
 23. (canceled)
 24. (canceled)
 25. Thecomputer-readable storage device as defined in claim 20, wherein thesecond test is performed without communicating via the residentialgateway. 26-29. (canceled)